Self-promoting leaders tend to derail, notes Lou Quast, VP/executive consultant at PDI Ninth House. Self-promoters are 627 percent more likely to derail than people who are in touch with their abilities and work performance. On the flip side, self-deprecators are much less likely to derail, but they are also much less likely to advance.

Leaders identified as most likely to derail exhibit behaviors that cause them to be perceived as lacking in both self-awareness and tact, resulting in damaged relationships. "Often their quest for recognition leads to a lack of willingness to recognize and learn from their own weaknesses, and a competitive culture that damages the very relationships that can help them reach their career goals. Leadership requires being smart and proficient on the job, as well as relating well with people around you," Quast said. "Positive changes can only occur when leaders seek and receive feedback and act on it." Visit www.pdininthhouse.com.